ID :
51880
Tue, 03/24/2009 - 05:18
Auther :
Shortlink :
https://www.oananews.org//node/51880
The shortlink copeid
N. Korean leader triples public tours this year amid renewed health question By Kim Hyun
SEOUL, March 23 (Yonhap) -- North Korean leader Kim Jong-il has more than tripled his number of public activities this year, a Seoul spokesman said Monday, as questions about his health reemerged after a recent picture showed him looking much leaner.
The 67-year-old Kim, who reportedly suffered a stroke last August, appeared to
have lost a considerable amount weight, with little trace of his trademark
potbelly in a photo taken during his visit to a new swimming pool released by
North Korea's state media on Friday.
Seoul officials could not say whether his weight loss was caused by ill health,
age or a weight control program. South Korea's Unification Ministry said the
Seoul government was watching Kim's movements closely, noting his stepped-up
public activity is "very unusual."
Pyongyang's media have been reporting on Kim's activity for five consecutive
days, bringing the total count of his public tours this year to 40 as of Monday.
He made 12 such appearances during the same period in 2008.
"Judging from the media reports alone, he appears to be keeping a very busy
schedule," ministry spokesperson Lee Jong-joo said.
The time span between such tours has also shortened to three to four days.
"This is a very unusual case, and our government is closely watching (Kim's)
field guidance trips," Lee said, without elaborating.
Seoul analysts have so far viewed Kim's brisk activity as part of the nation's
campaign to build a strong economy by 2012, the 100th anniversary of the birth of
Kim's father and North Korea's founder, Kim Il-sung. Analysts also suspect there
may be additional reasons for his frequent public appearances.
Yang Moo-jin, a professor with the University of North Korean Studies in Seoul,
said Kim may be following his doctor's advice to relax and reach out to ordinary
citizens.
"The way he gives field guidance has changed. He used to use his charisma and
tended to be bureaucratic, unilaterally giving orders to his entourage," Yang
said. "These days, he reaches out to citizens, pays attention to their food
issues and watches soldiers playing games and singing in contests. He appears now
to be in a very friendly manner."
Yang cited Kim's relatively down-to-earth behavior in his recent trips. He
advised gum factory workers not to put in "something like jam" to ensure the
product "fits the traditional lifestyle and tastes of our citizens." Kim,
believed to have quit smoking on doctors' advice years ago, took a puff during a
trip to a cigarette factory last month.
Koh Yu-hwan, a North Korean studies professor at Dongguk University, agreed Kim
may be following his lower officials' advice to increase his activity but also
suspected he might have a problem with his judgment.
"He's been active more than necessary since the rumors of his ill health," he
said, "It could be signs that he may have a judgment problem, or he may be taking
advice from the below."
An official from the National Intelligence Office said it was still too early to
judge on Kim's health from his weight loss.
hkim@yna.co.kr
(END)
The 67-year-old Kim, who reportedly suffered a stroke last August, appeared to
have lost a considerable amount weight, with little trace of his trademark
potbelly in a photo taken during his visit to a new swimming pool released by
North Korea's state media on Friday.
Seoul officials could not say whether his weight loss was caused by ill health,
age or a weight control program. South Korea's Unification Ministry said the
Seoul government was watching Kim's movements closely, noting his stepped-up
public activity is "very unusual."
Pyongyang's media have been reporting on Kim's activity for five consecutive
days, bringing the total count of his public tours this year to 40 as of Monday.
He made 12 such appearances during the same period in 2008.
"Judging from the media reports alone, he appears to be keeping a very busy
schedule," ministry spokesperson Lee Jong-joo said.
The time span between such tours has also shortened to three to four days.
"This is a very unusual case, and our government is closely watching (Kim's)
field guidance trips," Lee said, without elaborating.
Seoul analysts have so far viewed Kim's brisk activity as part of the nation's
campaign to build a strong economy by 2012, the 100th anniversary of the birth of
Kim's father and North Korea's founder, Kim Il-sung. Analysts also suspect there
may be additional reasons for his frequent public appearances.
Yang Moo-jin, a professor with the University of North Korean Studies in Seoul,
said Kim may be following his doctor's advice to relax and reach out to ordinary
citizens.
"The way he gives field guidance has changed. He used to use his charisma and
tended to be bureaucratic, unilaterally giving orders to his entourage," Yang
said. "These days, he reaches out to citizens, pays attention to their food
issues and watches soldiers playing games and singing in contests. He appears now
to be in a very friendly manner."
Yang cited Kim's relatively down-to-earth behavior in his recent trips. He
advised gum factory workers not to put in "something like jam" to ensure the
product "fits the traditional lifestyle and tastes of our citizens." Kim,
believed to have quit smoking on doctors' advice years ago, took a puff during a
trip to a cigarette factory last month.
Koh Yu-hwan, a North Korean studies professor at Dongguk University, agreed Kim
may be following his lower officials' advice to increase his activity but also
suspected he might have a problem with his judgment.
"He's been active more than necessary since the rumors of his ill health," he
said, "It could be signs that he may have a judgment problem, or he may be taking
advice from the below."
An official from the National Intelligence Office said it was still too early to
judge on Kim's health from his weight loss.
hkim@yna.co.kr
(END)
